Polyvinyl Alcohol (PVA) film is a versatile packaging and material solution used by numerous industries out there. It is made out of the water soluble synthetic polymer named PVA. The unique composition of this polymer offers numerous benefits to industrial applications. High tensile strength, flexibility, and biocompatibility are to name a few. With that in mind, let's take a look at 7 innovative applications of PVA as of now.

1. Biodegradable Packaging

One of the most popular applications of PVA film is as a biodegradable packaging material for single-use containers, sacks, bags and packaging. It dissolves readily in water making PVA films suitable for packaging of chemicals, agrochemicals, detergents, water-treatment chemicals, dyes and food products. Being completely biodegradable, it helps reduce plastic pollution caused by conventional plastic packaging. By 2020, PVA film biodegradable packaging market is projected to reach USD 83.1 million.

2. Drug Delivery

PVA films provide consistent medicine dosages in the pharmaceutical industry. They can be used for sustained as well as immediate release drug delivery formulations. PVA films are flexible and possess high tensile strength which makes them easy to handle in the manufacturing process. A PVA film manufacturer will also heat sealable which allows for convenient packing and good barrier properties against gases and moisture. Demand for PVA films in oral drug delivery systems is expected to rise at 8.3% CAGR by 2024.

3. Tissue Engineering

PVA hydrogels, prepared by freezing and thawing PVA films multiple times provide a biomimetic extracellular matrix in tissue engineering applications. These hydrophilic PVA gels promote cell adhesion, proliferation and migration to facilitate 3D culture of various human cell types. Rapid prototyping and bioprinting of complex tissue and organ constructs is possible using PVA hydrogel bioinks. The global regenerative medicine market is expected to reach $79.23 billion by 2024 in which PVA hydrogels will play a major role as biomaterials.

4. Wound Dressing

PVA films are an effective biocompatible wound dressing material in various forms including foams, hydrocolloids, fibers and gels. Being highly absorptive, they efficiently absorb exudates from wounds and provide an optimal moist healing environment. PVA’s adhesive capacity aids in non-invasive removal of dressings without harming the regenerated tissues. With rapidly healing attributes, antimicrobial properties and low toxicity, PVA wound dressings are poised to grow at 5% CAGR over 2020-25.

5. Water-Soluble Unit Packaging

PVA water-soluble films enable pre-packing of liquefiable detergent formulation or other liquid products in individual pouches or sachets, which dissolve in water. This unique single serve packaging is considered very innovative for products like laundry packets, agrochemical mixtures, dyes, industrial cleaners, water treatment chemicals etc. The global water-soluble films market is predicted to grow at 7.24% CAGR by 2025, largely comprised of PVA films.

6. Agriculture

Polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) films can serve as effective water-soluble film coatings for fertilizers, pesticides, and other agricultural chemicals. When applied to granular agrochemicals, PVA coatings can regulate the release rate of active ingredients while also preventing atmospheric moisture ingress prior to use. Additionally, the water-solubility of PVA allows agrochemical deposits to be more effectively washed off surfaces after application, reducing residual buildup.

7. Cosmetics

Water-soluble polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) plastic bags and pouches are extremely useful for packaging cosmetic samples, single-use quantities of shampoos/conditioners, and other liquid personal care products. Unlike traditional plastic packaging, PVA film bags dissolved completely when agitated in hot water. This property allows their cosmetic contents to be easily dispensed while minimizing non-biodegradable plastic waste. The dissolution properties and food-safe status of PVA also makes it ideal for packaging powdered cosmetic products like blushes, eyeshadows, and beauty supplements in pre-measured quantities.

As you can see, PVA films are being used for numerous applications out there. Most companies will continue to use it because of its versatility and eco-friendliness in future as well.